Over 1 million evacuated as Cyclone 'Remal' brings heavy rain to Bangladesh and India
Cyclone 'Remal' made landfall in Bangladesh on Sunday night, bringing torrential rain and heavy winds as it continues to move inland across eastern India, toppling trees, turning roads into rivers and causing large-scale damage.
Authorities reported that more than 1 million people from vulnerable regions in both countries were evacuated ahead of Remal's impact.
The cyclone made landfall with gusts reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour (84 mph) and continued moving northwards over Bangladesh and the adjacent West Bengal coast, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
After making landfall, the storm's intensity decreased, with wind speeds reducing to 115 kilometers per hour (71 mph). Cyclone Remal is expected to bring more than 89 mm (3.5 inches) of rainfall and cause storm surges between 2.5 to 3.7 meters along the Bay of Bengal coast.
In response to the cyclone, Bangladesh's Mongla and Payra ports raised the Great Danger Signal 10, the highest level of alert. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department advised all fishing and boating vessels to seek shelter until conditions improve.